By Illinois Review
Thousands of Illinoisans gathered this weekend to honor the Bailey family after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of former State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey’s son, daughter-in-law, and two young grandchildren.
The outpouring of love was overwhelming. The line to greet the Bailey family stretched for hours – some waiting more than four hours to pay their respects. Even Gov. JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker quietly attended on Sunday, a rare moment of bipartisan compassion.
But while Democrats showed up, several top Illinois Republicans did not. Among them was State Sen. Jason Plummer, the Senate Republican Deputy Leader – and the Bailey family’s own elected representative.
Plummer’s absence stunned conservatives across southern Illinois, who expected him to stand shoulder to shoulder with his grieving constituents.His no-show comes as he faces increasing scrutiny for his political and business entanglements.
The Plummer family is a minority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a Major League Baseball franchise that has repeatedly angered conservatives by celebrating transgender athletes and drag performers during “Pride Night.”
On Saturday, the Dodgers won the World Series in Toronto.
And as campaign chairman for Ted Dabrowski’s gubernatorial campaign, Plummer has been at the center of growing controversy. Dabrowski’s campaign has been dogged by infighting, tone-deaf messaging, and a lack of grassroots connection – problems many trace back to the same out-of-touch leadership now embodied by Plummer.
Adding to the frustration, both House GOP Leader Tony McCombie and Deputy Leader Norine Hammond – who also skipped the service – voted earlier this year to expand transgender patient rights, a move conservatives say betrays core party values.
But for many downstate Republicans, it was Plummer’s absence that hurt the most.
At a time of unimaginable grief, his failure to show up for one of his own constituents – one who has carried the banner for conservative values across the state – spoke volumes.
In politics, words about faith and family are easy. Showing up when it matters most is harder. Jason Plummer’s absence was noticed – and quietly, deeply felt.
